WHO Forced To Apologise After Calling Down’s Syndrome A ‘Birth Defect’

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been forced to apologise after it said Down's Syndrome was a 'birth defect'.

Last week, March 3, marked World Birth Defects Day, which the WHO highlighted on its social accounts.

However, in a post to its Facebook page, it grouped Down's Syndrome in with a variety of conditions such as congenital heart defects and haemoglobin disorders.

It went on to say: 'Some birth defects can be prevented and treated with access to quality maternal and newborn care.'

The message was heavily criticised by many, who pointed out that Down's Syndrome is not a 'defect' but a genetic condition, branding the body's words 'offensive' and 'disrespectful'.

Commenting on the post, one user said: 'I cannot begin to tell you how upset and annoyed I am to read this post. Down Syndrome is not a birth defect! My daughter will never NEVER be described as a birth defect. She is a naturally occurring miracle!'

Alamy

Echoing the anger, another wrote: 'My daughter has down syndrome and she is not a severe birth defect. It's a genetic difference. She is beautiful funny and just so amazing. Saying down syndrome is a severe birth defect is disrespectful, offensive and wrong.'

'Wow, just wow. Down syndrome is NOT a birth defect, it's a genetic difference,' added a third.

'You can neither prevent nor treat Down Syndrome so as well as being offensive, your statement is also incorrect. 

'My youngest daughter has Down Syndrome and she lives a meaningful and happy life as part of our family and community.'

Even today, those who are diagnosed with Down's Syndrome can face a lot of stigma, a great deal of which is due to a lack of understanding around the condition.

And the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is constantly trying to educate people to better understand it and discourage them from using offensive terms like 'suffering with' or 'affliction'.

Facebook

The WHO has now apologised for any offence caused by the post, and has since edited it.

A note added to the post reads: 'WHO has edited its original post which, in conflating two distinct messages, unintentionally implied that Down syndrome was preventable through antenatal and newborn care.

'We sincerely apologize for any offence caused by our statement to people living with Down syndrome and their families.

'WHO commits to providing continued support for all those affected by Down syndrome, including appropriate healthcare, access to specialized services and respectful treatment.

'We appreciate your feedback on our post and will endeavour to ensure that our channels share information on Down Syndrome moving forward, that respects the needs and desires of those affected.'

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Topics: Health, Science, Facebook

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers is the News/Agenda Desk Lead, covering the latest trends and breaking stories. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History, he went on to write for the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express. So as you can imagine, he’s spent many a night wondering just how useful that second language has been. But c'est la vie.

@SmithersDom